Meade 37-0850-00 User manual

Instruction Manual

LX850™ German Equatorial Mount Telescope System

With StarLock™

Looking at or near the Sun without a professional

solar lter installed will cause instant and irreversible

damage to your eye. Eye damage is often painless, so

there is no warning to the observer that damage has

occurred until it is too late. Do not point the telescope

at or near the Sun. Do not look through the telescope

or Finder Scope as it is moving. Children should

always have adult supervision while observing.

Travel Screw or Mirror Lock:

The LX850 f/8 ACF optical tube assembly (OTA) is shipped from the factory with the focusing

mechanism protected by either a travel screw or mirror lock mechanism. This feature secures

the primary mirror in a xed position during travel thereby protecting the focusing mechanism

from shock damage.

The travel screw is on the back cell of the 10” and 12” OTAs, near the Crayford Focuser, and

is identied by a dab of red paint. This screw must be removed before attempting to focus the

OTA. Failure in removal can result in damage to the Crayford Focusing mechanism. Retain

this screw for future use as it is suggested that mirror be locked down anytime the OTA is

shipped.

The 14” OTA uses a mirror lock mechanism instead of a travel screw. The mirror lock knob is

located on the back cell of the 14” OTA, just above the Crayford Focuser. When adjusting the

telescope focus, always do so with the mirror lock knob in the unlocked position.

When transporting or shipping the OTA, move the primary mirror to the travel position by

rotating the focuser knob counter clockwise until its travel limit is reached. This places the

primary mirror as far back as possible in its travel and is closest to the back cell. Reattach the

travel screw or tighten the mirror lock knob until rm. Do not over tighten.

WARNING!

Never use a telescope to look at the Sun without

a professional solar lter installed!

® The name “Meade,” “AutoStar” and the Meade logo are

trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Oce

and in principal countries throughout the world.

StarLock, Deep Sky Imager”, “LX850”, and “Tonight’s Best” are

trademarks of Meade Instruments.

Protected by U.S. Patent:

US 6,392,799 and other Patents Pending

Collimation of the Optical System: ACF Models ...24

Calibrate Home ............................25

StarLock Operation .........................25

StarLock Automatic Rate Calibration (ARC) ......26

Periodic Error Correction ....................26

StarLock and Mount Flexure..................26

AutoStar II Operation

The AutoStar II Handbox.....................27

AutoStar Navigation Exercise .................28

Example of Locating a Menu .................28

AutoStar II Menu Tree.......................29

Navigating AutoStar II .......................30

Object Menu ..............................30

Event Menu...............................31

Glossary Menu ............................31

Utilities Menu .............................32

Setup Menu...............................33

“Hot Button” Menu..........................36

StarLock Periodic Error Correction .............36

Advanced Autostar II Features

Adding Observing Sites .....................37

Creating User Objects.......................37

Using AutoStar to Find Objects not in Database...38

To GO TO a user-entered object...............39

Landmarks ...............................39

Identify ..................................40

Browse ..................................41

Alternate Polar Alignments

Two-Star Polar Alignment ....................42

Easy Polar Alignment .......................42

One-Star Polar Alignment ....................42

Align on Home ............................42

How to Drift Align LX850 .....................42

Download the Latest Version

of AutoStar II Software....................42

StarLock Assisted PEC Training ...............43

Update Menu Option........................43

Erase Menu Option .........................43

On and O Menu Options ....................43

Optional Accessories..........................44

Maintenance ................................46

Specications................................47

Appendix A:

Manual Drift Alignment ......................49

Appendix B:

StarLock Utility ............................50

Appendix C:

Automatic Rate Calibration (ARC) .............53

Appendix D:

Latitude Chart .............................54

Appendix E:

Advanced Coma-Free Optical System ..........55

Appendix F:

Initial Set-up Guide .........................56

Recycling/ Button Battery Warning:

How to recycle ................................58

Product Registration / Customer Service .........59

Meade Limited Warranty

Two Year Limited Warranty .............. Back Cover

CONTENTS

Introduction

The LX850 Telescope ........................5

Telescope Features

Precision Machined German Equatorial Mount ....6

Faster, Sharper Optical System ................6

StarLock — Full-Time Automatic Guiding .........6

Key Features

Figure 1: Right View .........................7

Figure 2: Left View ..........................8

Figure 3: Detail RA Access ....................9

Figure 4: Detail StarLock Counterweight .........9

Figure 5: Detail Saddle Plate ..................9

Figure 6: Telescope Control Panel .............10

Figure 7: StarLock Control Panel ..............10

Figure 8: OTA Rear View ....................10

LX850 Key Features ........................11

Assembly

Assembly Tools ............................13

Tripod Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Assemble the Mount ........................14

Attach RA Assembly to the Tripod..............15

Attach the DEC Assembly....................15

Routing Connector Cables Internally ...........16

Attach the Saddle Plate .....................16

Setting Latitude ............................17

Attach Counterweight Shaft ..................17

Attach Counterweights ......................15

Attach the Control Module ...................17

DEC and RA Connecting Cables ..............17

Attach the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) ........18

Attach Diagonal and Eyepiece ................18

Attach StarLock Assembly ...................19

Plug in the AutoStar II Handbox ...............19

Attach the Viewnder to the OTA ..............19

Mount Additional Accessories and Equipment ....20

Balancing the Telescope .....................20

Balancing the RA Axes ......................20

Balancing the DEC Axes.....................20

Balancing StarLock .........................21

Getting Started

Focusing & Aligning the Viewnder.............21

Focusing the Telescope .....................21

Slew Speeds ..............................22

Aligning for the First Time ....................22

Finding True North/South ....................22

One Star Alignment.........................23

Syncing Your Eyepiece/Camera Using Starlock ...23

Test your Collimation........................24

INTRODUCTION

The LX850 Telescope

Advanced Technology for the Astro Imager

Congratulations on receiving your new LX850 telescope. You’ll nd that this telescope system has all you need to

explore the Universe we live in. Designed from the ground up to be the ideal Astro-imaging platform, the LX850

incorporates several new revolutionary technologies that will change the way you observe and image. Available only

from Meade.

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and innovation, Meade Instruments introduces the latest in a long line of

advanced astronomical products: the LX850. Using revolutionary new technology, every aspect of this amazing

telescope system has been designed to deliver the new standard in astrophotographic and visual performance:

• Fast f/8 Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical systems on the 10”, 12” and 14” OTAs. These optics

produce wider, atter elds with no coma for pinpoint stars out to the edge of larger imaging sensors

or extreme wide angle eyepieces.

• StarLock™ full-time automatic integrated guider assists with drift polar alignment, nds and centers

targets and then automatically locks onto a eld star as faint as 11th magnitude for one arcsecond

guiding. No separate computer, no guide star selection, no user focus. Just set up your camera and

image.

• German Equatorial Mount made from machined aluminum and stainless steel with large bearing

surfaces and roller bearings in both axes for an extremely solid and stable platform.

• Internal Crayford-style primary mirror focusing system with a dual speed 7:1 focus control, on ACF

OTA’s, eliminates image shift and mirror op. Precise focus is a snap.

If you are like us, you can’t wait to get outside under a dark sky to use your new LX850 telescope. We have

provided a Getting Started Guide that will get you up and running in the shortest amount of time possible. After

your rst experience, please sit down with this manual and read about all the advanced features that are available

to you with this telescope system. We are condent that the LX850 will keep you fascinated with the Universe and

entertained for many years to come.

Clear Skies,

The people at Meade

5

Introduction

Meade Instruments latest high-end imaging mount

with Starlock: the LX850™. Using revolutionary

patented technology, every aspect of this system

has been designed to deliver the highest standard in

astrophotographic and visual performance.

Precision Machined German

Equatorial Mount

Constructed of machined stainless steel and aircraft

grade 6061-T6 aluminum, the LX850 mount presents

a rock-solid platform with precision roller bearings on

both axes and a 1.75 inch stainless steel RA shaft. Its

.68 inch diameter brass worms and 5.8 inch diameter,

225-tooth aluminum gears deliver smooth, precise

movement with up to a 90 pound instrument load. Add

to this internal cabling, GPS and the AutoStar II fully-

computerized GoTo system with a database of over

144,000 objects. All this sets atop an ultra-stable tripod.

Faster, Sharper Optical System

Building on Meade’s award-winning Advanced Coma-

Free™ (ACF™) optics, the LX850 employs a fast f/8

optical system with high-contrast baing that assures

crisp, pinpoint imaging to the very edge of the eld.

The all-new OTAs feature an internal Crayford-style,

zero image-shift focusing system with a two-speed, 7:1

control that rigidly holds the primary mirror.

StarLock™ — Full-Time

Automatic Guiding

StarLock — the heart of the LX850 — is the revolutionary

new technology that makes target acquisition on your

imaging sensor and accurate guiding during exposures

completely automatic. With Meade’s exclusive

LightSwitch™ technology at its core, StarLock uses a

80mm f/5 optic and a super wide-angle lens in a two

camera system that automatically nds your target in

high-precision, immediately captures a eld star as dim

as 11th magnitude and then guides to an incredible

accuracy of one arcsecond. StarLock achieves this

amazing accuracy because, unlike add-on guiders,

StarLock is integrated into the telescope control system

and communicates directly with the motor controllers in

real time with a guiding accuracy of 1 arcsecond RMS

with good seeing. There’s no need for a separate guider

or computer and StarLock requires no calibration, no

user focusing or guide star selection. StarLock also

provides computer-assisted polar alignment using the

drift method for extreme precision. No expensive shaft

encoders or additional equipment needed.

Telescope Features

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

Telescope Features

6

q Autostar II handbox

w Handbox Holder

e Micro-focuser Coil Cord

r GPS Sensor

t Telescope Control Panel

y 2-Speed Focus Knob

u SC Thread to 2” Adapter (not shown)

i Diagonal Mirror Thumbscrews

o 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” Adapter

1) HD-60 25mm Eyepiece

1! Rear Cell Port

1@ Mirror Lock (14" ACF Only)

1# StarLock Cable

1$ Viewnder

1% StarLock Wideeld OTA

1^ StarLock Narroweld OTA

1& StarLock Imaging Sensor Assembly

1* StarLock Dovetail Locks

1( StarLock Mount (On OTA)

2) OTA Dovetail Locks

2! StarLock Counterweight lock

2@ StarLock Counterweight

2# DEC Drive

2$ RA Drive

2% RA Clutch Lock Bolts (3)

2^ RA Drive Connector

2& Counterweight Shaft

2* Altitude Scale

2( Counterweights

3) Altitude Adjustment Knob

3! Counterweight Safety Cap

3@ Azimuth Lock Bolts

3# Azimuth Adjustment Knob

3$ Handbox Holder Tension Knob

3% AutoStar II Coil Cord

Figure 1: LX850 Key Features - Right View

7

LX850 Key Features

1#

1)

o

y

q

w

3%

2*

e

t

2#

3!

3)

3$

2(

3@

2@

2&

2!

r

2)

i

1@

2%

1(

1$

1^ 1& 1*

1!

u

2$

2^

1%

3#

LX850 Key Features

3^ Altitude Lock Knob

3& Carry Handles

3* DEC External Cable Access Port

3( DEC Drive Power Connector

4) DEC Clutch Lock Bolts (3)

4! StarLock Dovetail Lock Bolts

4@ StarLock Mount (on saddle )

4# Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

4$ Viewnder Collimation Screws

4% OTA Dovetail Rail

4^ RA External Cable Access Port

4& RA Polar Cap

4* Spreader Bar

4( Spreader Bar Tension Knob

5) Mount Locking Knob

5! Tension Hub

5@ Extension Arms

5# Leg Locks

5$ Zero Image Shift Microfocuser

5% Collimation Screws (3)

5^ Dovetail Plate Safety Bolt

Figure 2: LX850 Key Features - Left View

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

LX850 Key Features

8

3^

5@

3( 5$

3*

4)

4%

4^

4&

4#

5#

4(

5)

5!

4$

4!

5^

4@

3&

4*

5%

4^ 2! 2@

2! StarLock Counterweight

2@ StarLock Counterweight Lock Bolt

4^ RA Internal Cable Access Port

5& Lock-down set screw for cover

Figure 5: Saddle Plate

5*

Note that there are dierent angled surfaces on the dovetail brackets on the saddle. In addition to physically moving

the dovetail to accommodate the diering width of Losmandy or Vixen it is important to orient the bracket so that the

pitch to the dovetail matches the corresponding mount. Note that Losmandy style mounting conguration utilizes the

larger, more pronounced pitch. See above. To move the rail, use the 3/16" hex wrench to remove the 4 screws on top

of the rail. After moving and rotating the rail, install the 4 screws and tighten to secure the rail in place.

Losmandy® Style Dovetail Conguration Vixen® Style Dovetail Conguration

Mount Saddle Plate Congurations

9

LX850 Key Features

Figure 3: Detail, RA Access Figure 4: StarLock Counterweight

5&

Telescope Control Panel:

A. ON/OFF Switch

B. 12v DC Power Connector

C. Electronic Focus Port

D. Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece Power Port

E. 12v DC Output

F. Handbox (HBX) Port

G. RS232 Port

H. StarLock Port

I. Aux Autoguider Port

5( StarLock Telescope Connection

6) Guider Status

6! RS-232 Port

6@ Travel Screw

Figure 2-B: LX850 Key Features - Telescope Control Panel

A

B

C

D

E

F G H I

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

LX850 Key Features

10

LX850 Key Features

Figure 6: Telescope Control Panel

STARLOCK:

TELESCOPE

CONNECTION

RS-232

PORT

GUIDER

STATUS

Figure 7: StarLock Control Panel

5(

6)

6!

Figure 8: OTA Rear View

6@ Position of Travel Screw varies by ota

model. Note 14" OTA includes a mirror lock

knob, instead of a travel screw

q AutoStar II Handbox: The LX850 user interface. Use the

Handbox to command the LX850 to automatically slew to any

object in the night sky. See pages 27 thru 43 for a description

of features.

w Handbox Holder: convenient place to place your AutoStar II

box. Keeps it at the ready.

e Micro-focuser Coil Cord: Connects the micro-focuser to the

control panel.

r GPS Sensor: Used to get precise date, time and location of

your observing site using global positioning satellites.

t Telescope Control Panel:

A. ON/OFF Switch

B. 12v DC Power Connector

C. Electronic Focus Port

D. Illuminated Reticle Port

E. 12v DC Output

F. Handbox (HBX) Port

G. RS232 Port

H. StarLock Port

I. Aux Autoguider Port

y 2-Speed Crayford Style Focusing Knobs: Moves the

telescope’s primary mirror in a nely-controlled mo-tion to

achieve precise image focus. The LX850 telescopes can be

focused on objects from a distance of about 200 ft to innity.

Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant object.

u SC Thread to 2” accessory adapter (not shown): The 2”

Diagonal Mirror is inserted into this accessory adapter if micro-

focuser is not used. See gure 29 on page 21.

i 2” Adapter Thumbscrews: Tighten to secure the 2” Diagonal

in place.

o 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” Adapter: Holds the eyepiece

upright for easy viewing. Provides a more comfortable right-

angle viewing position. Slide the diagonal directly into the 2”

Adapter and tighten the thumbscrew to a rm feel only. See

page 19 for a photo and more information.

1) Eyepiece: Place the supplied HD-60 25mm eyepiece into the

2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” Adapter (Pg 19, Fig. 23) and tighten

in place with locking thumbscrew.

1! Rear Cell Port: Rear connecting thread for attaching telescope

accessories. Uses a standard SCT 2" x 24 TPI male thread.

1@ Mirror Lock (14" ACF Only): Tighten to lock the primary mirror

in place. Used for astroimaging to prevent mirror op. When

using the focusing knob (Fig 1, #6), the mirror lock must be in

the unlocked position or damage to the focuser can result.

1# StarLock Connector Cable: 4-pin connector cable plugs into

StarLock.

1$ Viewnder: 8x50, wide-eld sighting scope with crosshairs

that enables easy centering of objects in the telescope

eyepiece.

1% StarLock Connector Panel: Starlock cable connection point

and place where Starlock status is displayed.

1^ StarLock Wideeld OTA: Used to orient the LX850 in relation

to the sky. Performs High-Precision pointing.

1& StarLock Narroweld OTA: Narroweld optics that are used

to precisely guide LX850 StarLock System.

1* StarLock Locking Bolt: Secures the StarLock assembly to

the saddle plate.

1( StarLock Mount (On OTA): Attaches StarLock to the

telescope mount saddle plate.

2) OTA Dovetail Locks: Secures the OTA dovetail rail to the

LX850 saddle plate.

2! StarLock Counterweight Lock: Tighten to secure the

counterweight in place.

2@ StarLock Counterweight: Precisely counter balance the

StarLock assembly by moving this weight. Remove if you

mount StarLock directly on the OTA.

2# DEC Drive Housing: Precisely moves the telescope around

the DEC Axis.

2$ RA Drive: Precisely moves the telescope around the RA Axis.

2% RA Clutch: Tighten the three hex head screws using the

included 5/16” hex head tool to engage the RA Drive.

2^ RA Drive Cable: Connect the RA drive to the Telescope

Control Panel.

2& Counterweight Shaft: Thread the counterweight onto this

shaft (below).

2* Altitude Scale: Set the latitude of the observing site on this

scale using the latitude adjustment knob.

2( Counterweight: Counterbalances the weight of the optical

tube, and adds stability to the mount.

3) Latitude Adjustment Knob: Used to set the LX850 to the

correct latitude for your observing site.

3! Counterweight Safety Cap: Prevents the counterweight from

11

LX850 Key Features

accidentally slipping o the end of the counterweight shaft.

3@ Azimuth Lock Bolts: Once your LX850 is aligned on the

celestial pole, lock the azimuth bolts to prevent movement in

this direction.

3# Azimuth Adjustment Knob: Once the Azimuth Locking bolts

are loose, make adjustments to the mounts azimuth position

aligning it to the celestial pole. When properly adjusted, lock

the Azimuth Adjustment Lock bolts to prevent unwanted

Azimuth movement in the LX850.

3$ Handbox Holder Tension Knob: Loosen to adjust

presentation angle – tighten to lock in place.

3% AutoStar II Coil Cord: Connects the handbox to the Computer

Control Panel via the HBX port.

3^ Altitude Lock Knob: Before using the Altitude Adjustment

Knob, loosen the Altitude Lock Knob. Once the latitude is

adjusted, be sure to lock this knob to prevent unwanted

movement of the LX850.

3& LX850 Carry Handles: Use these carry handles to help move

the LX850 mount from one location to another.

3* DEC Internal Cable Access Port: Loosen the two

thumbscrews, slide the door open to gain access to the cable

raceway that runs the length of the DEC Axis.

3( DEC Drive Power Connector: Connects the DEC Motor to

the Compute Control Panel.

4) DEC Clutch Lock Bolts: Tighten the three hex head bolts

using the included 5/16” hex head tool to engage the DEC

Drive.

4! StarLock Locking Bolts: Secures the StarLock assembly to

the saddle plate.

4@ StarLock Mount (On Saddle): Attaches StarLock to the

telescope mount saddle plate.

4# Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): The main optical component

that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light

to a focus for examination with the eyepiece or camera.

4$ Viewnder Collimation Screws: Adjust these screws to align

the viewnder. See page 21 for more information.

4% OTA Dovetail Rail: Connection point between the OTA and

saddle plate.

4^ RA Internal Cable Access Port: Loosen the two thumbscrews,

slide the door open to gain access to the cable raceway that

runs the length of the RA Axis.

4& RA Polar Cap: Covers the RA polar axis.

4* Spreader Bar: Rigidly holds legs open and allows placement

for several 1.25" accessories.

4( Spreader Bar Tension Knob: Tightens spreader bar to legs.

Loosen to allow the spreader bar to be rotated between the

tripod legs.

5) Mount Locking Knob: Secures the mount to the tripod.

5! Tension Hub: Locates extension arms.

5@ Extension arms: Locates tripod legs.

5# Leg Locks: Locks leg extension in place.

5$ Zero Image Shift Microfocuser: Electrronic focuser used for

precision remote focusing.

5% ACF Collimation Adjustment Screws: Use these 3 screws to

ne tune your OTA’s optical alignment.

5^ Dovetail Rail Safety Bolt: Make sure the Safety knob is

securely attached.

5& Access Port Knob: Secures cover plates to RA and DEC

cable raceway.

5* Dovetail Adapter Attachment Rails: The LX850 dovetail

adapter is unique in that it will accept both the Losmandy and

Vixen style dovetails. Remove and reverse the two surrounding

dovetail rails so the correct rail angle points toward the dovetail

size being used. Be sure to securely tighten the rails. See page

9.

5( StarLock Telescope Connection: Connect StarLock to the

telescope control panel.

6) Guider Status: LED indicates operation.

6! RS-232 Port: Additional RS-232 port.

6@ Travel Screw: Firmly secures the primary mirror in a xed

position during travel protecting the focusing mechanism from

shock damage. Remove this screw before attempting to focus

the telescope.

Note: 14" ACF models– use a mirror lock mechanism instead

of the travel screw.

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

LX850 Key Features

12

LX850 Key Features

You may want to perform the assembly of the LX850

in the light of day to become familiar with the parts and

operation before performing observations on the night

sky. Setup the telescope in a large open area where

you can see lots of sky. Do not setup right next to a

building or a wall that will obstruct its view of the sky.

Make sure the ground is stable and is approximately

level. It is best to set up the scope away from bright

nighttime lighting, as bright lights will spoil your night

vision and impede your ability to see the sky.

The LX850 system includes the following:

• German Equatorial Mount Assembly

1. RA assembly with base

2. DEC assembly

3. Dovetail saddle plate

• Starlock Autoguider System

• Counterweight(s)

• Counterweight Shaft with Safety Nut

• Giant Field Tripod

• LX850 Accessories

• LX850 Control Panel

• Autostar II Hand Controller

• StarLock Cable

• StarLock Counterweight

• Custom Utility Tool

• 3/16" & 5/16” Hex head wrenches

• #507 Connecting Cable with USB Adapter

• Internal Cable Fish Tool

• Anti-Vibration Pads

• Bubble/Level Compass

• Micro-focuser (ACF OTAs only)

Additionally, the LX850 can be ordered with various

OTAs and accessories and may contain additional

counterweights and boxes depending on the

conguration ordered.

Assembly Tools

All of the tools necessary to assemble your LX850

telescope will be found in the accessory box:

• LX850 lock knob wrench: A dedicated tool for

securing small and large knobs on the telescope.

• 3/16" & 5/16” hex head wrenches: Required for

securing DEC & RA assemblies, clutches, and

saddle plate.

• Internal Cable Fish Tool: Assist routing StarLock,

DEC, RA, and accessory connecting cables.

Use of these tools will be described in the assembly

procedure. If you will be attaching an OTA that utilizes

a Vixen Style dovetail you will need the 3/16” hex head

wrench (included) to relocate the mounting rails on the

dovetail plate.

Tripod Assembly

Remove the Giant Field Tripod from the shipping

carton. Included in this carton is the spreader bar,

threaded rod, and retaining clip; set these aside.

Note: When assembling the tripod spreader assembly,

a large threaded knob and washer is needed directly

below the spreader. The knob and washer is included

in the LX850 accessory box and is specic to the

LX850 assembly.

Position the tripod where you want the telescope to

be assembled. Stand the tripod vertically with the

tripod feet down and with the tripod still fully collapsed.

Assembly

Fig 9: LX850 assembly tools.

Fig 10: Tripod.

Collapsed Opened

Leg points to

true North

LX850 Utility Tool

3/16" & 5/16" Hex Head

Wrench

Internal Cable Fish Tool

13

Assembly

Grasp two of the tripod legs, and with the full weight

of the tripod on the third leg, gently pull the legs apart

to a fully open position. The legs should be spread

so the three leg braces are spaced evenly apart and

the tripod head is approximately level. Position one

of the legs so that it points approximately true North

(true South in the southern hemisphere). If you are

observing at low latitudes, you can point the tripod

leg true South (true North in southern hemisphere) to

allow the counterweight shaft to clear the tripod.

Loosen the two (2) leg lock-knobs on each tripod leg.

Adjust the height of the tripod to the desired height

and with the tripod head approximately level, tighten

the leg locks. Place the included bubble/level compass

onto the tripod head to verify it is level. Tighten the

locks to a rm feel only; do not over tighten.

The LX850 accessory box includes a large black

threaded knob and washer that is needed for use

with the tripod. This knob is threaded directly below

the spreader and controls its height so it can tighten

against each tripod leg.

Locate this knob and thread it onto the threaded rod

until it is at the bottom. Next, slide the washer onto

the threaded rod. Finally, slide the spreader onto the

threaded rod. This arrangement should look like Fig.

11.

Slide the threaded rod assembly through the central

mounting hole in the tripod head. Place the threaded

rod through central mounting hole far enough so that

the retaining clip channel is exposed. Press t the

retaining clip through the machined channel. The

retaining clip will now hold the spreader bar for easy

assembly.

Assemble the Mount

The Meade LX850 mount body ships in smaller pieces

to reduce the mount weight & packaging materials and

requires assembly before use. Once assembled, it can

be left assembled or taken apart for easier transport to

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

Assembly

14

Fig 12: Threaded Rod Assembly.

Fig 11 Threaded Rod Assembly.

a dark sky observing site.

Be sure to unpack all the LX850 boxes and identify

each needed component. To assemble the Meade

LX850, you will need the following parts:

• 4 pcs ¼-20x ¾” screws

• 5 pcs ¼-20 x 1” screws

• 1 pcs 3/8-16 x 1” screws

• LX850 RA assembly with base

• LX850 DEC assembly

• LX850 Saddle plate

• Starlock cable

• Starlock counterweight

• Tripod with spreader assembly

• 3/16” Hex wrench

• 5/16” Hex wrench

Study the reference image in Fig. 12 Fig. 12 to become

familiar with the LX850 mount components and how

they assemble together.

Attach the RA Assembly to the Tripod

Assembling the mount is easiest when assembling it

onto the tripod. See the previous section titled "Tripod

Assembly" before proceeding to the next step.

1. Place the RA assembly (Fig 12, #7) onto the

tripod head (Fig 12, #8) and secure in place with

the tripod mounting stud (Fig 12, #10). The RA

assembly (Fig 12, #7) should be facing in the

direction of true North for Northern Hemisphere

users or in the direction of true South if in the

Southern Hemisphere.

2. With the tripod spreader arms (Fig 12, #9) making

contact with each leg, tighten the large black

knob below the spreader to a rm feel. The mount

should look like Fig. 13 and mount should not slip

on the tripod head.

Attach the DEC Assembly

3. Note: Before attaching the DEC assembly (Fig 12,

#2), it is advised to adjust the mount latitude to

your observing site latitude. See "Setting Latitude"

on page 17 for assistance. This will allow the

weight of the DEC assembly (Fig 12, #2) to rest

on the RA assembly (Fig 12, #7) while performing

the installation. Take caution to not drop the DEC

assembly (Fig 12, #2).

4. To begin, line up the RA registration marks on the

right side of the RA assembly (Fig 12, #7).

5. Using the 5/16” hex wrench tighten the three RA

clutch lock screws shown in Figure 13 to prevent

the RA assembly (Fig 12, #7) from rotating.

6. Place the DEC assembly (Fig 12,#2) onto the RA

assembly (Fig 12, #7) as shown in the gure 14.

7. Insert the four ¼-20 x ¾” (Fig 12, #1) screws and

lightly secure all screws using the included 3/16”

hex wrench.

8. Note: It is best to lightly tighten the bottom mounting

screws rst, then nish with the top screws since

one of the top screws is dicult to access.

9. Now tighten all four screws tightly until secure.

15

Assembly

Fig 13: Attach the RA/Base Assembly

Fig 14: Attach the DEC asembly

Routing Connector Cables Internally

Designed into the LX850 mount is a raceway that

routes cables through the body of the mount. Cables

connecting the DEC motor and StarLock cables can

be routed through this raceway, eliminating worrisome

“cable interference.” The dedicated connecting cable(s)

can be found in the StarLock and/or the accessories

box along with an assisting cable routing tool. Cables

for additional equipment such as cameras can also be

routed through the internal raceway.

Now route any cables internally to the mount. This

includes the Starlock cable, camera cables, etc.

Starlock Cable:

1. First route the Starlock cable which is the black

cable with 6-pin connector on one side and

4-pin connector on the other. See Figure 15.

Note: The starlock cable is directional! The

6-pin side must be plugged into the port labeled

“Starlock” on the mount control panel. The 4-pin

side must be plugged into the port labeled “Starlock

telescope connection” on the Starlock unit. Failure

to follow these instructions will result in damage to

the telescope and/or Starlock.

2. Route the 4-pin side of the Starlock cable so it

comes out the top left side of the DEC assembly

(Fig 12, #2). The 6-pin side of the connector should

come out of the cable access port on the rear of

the RA axis housing.

3. When routing the starlock cable, leave about

7” of cable hanging out the back of the rear RA

port so it can connect to the control panel. Leave

about 25” – 30” of cable hanging out of the Dec

assembly so it can connect to the Starlock.

Note: Do not route any cables out the top center

hole or they will get damaged when the saddle

plate (Fig 12, #3) is installed.

4. After routing all the needed internal cables,

proceed to attaching the saddle plate (Fig 12, #3)

above.

Attach the Saddle Plate

5. To begin, line up the DEC registration marks on

the left side of the DEC assembly (Fig 12, #2).

6. Using the 5/16” hex wrench tighten the three DEC

clutch locking screws shown in Fig 17 to prevent

the DEC assembly (Fig 12, #2) from rotating.

7. Place the Saddle plate (Fig 12, #3) onto the top

of the Dec assembly (Fig 12, #2) with the Starlock

counterweight (Fig 12, #5) rail placed on the right

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

Assembly

16

Fig 15: Route the Cables

Fig 17: Attach the Saddle Plate

Fig 16: Access to the cable raceway.

side of the mount as shown in the Figure 17.

8. Using the 3/16” hex wrench tighten the ve ¼-20

x 1” (Fig 12, #4) mounting screws into the mount

head to secure the saddle plate into position.

The mount is now assembled.

Setting Latitude

Refer to the latitude chart in Appendix D, page 54 or

consult the internet. Listed are the latitudes for most

major cites world wide. Locate your city in the chart

and note its latitude. If your city is not listed, search for

your cities latitude on the internet.

Loosen the Altitude Adjustment Lock Knob (page

8, #36). Locate the Altitude Adjustment Knob (page

7, #30) and the Altitude Scale (page 7, #28). The

Altitude scale has markings and a range that start at

zero (0) and ends at 70. Turn the Altitude Adjustment

Knob until the indicator points to your corresponding

observing site latitude. Tighten the Altitude Adjustment

Lock Knob to a rm feel.

Attach the Counterweight Shaft

Remove the counterweight shaft, with attached safety

nut, from its packaging. The safety nut is attached at

the factory for shipping. Thread the top of the shaft into

the mount receiver as shown in Fig 18 making sure

that the threads are matching, not binding or cross

threading.

Attach the Counterweight(s)

The counterweights are attached by threading them

onto the counterweight shaft to the desired position. If

the LX850 mount was purchased with a Meade optical

tube assembly (OTA), additional counterweights may

have been included depending on the OTA purchased.

Attach all counterweights that were included with the

mount. A good starting position for the counterweights is

to place them in the middle portion of the counterweight

shaft. When the mount is fully assembled with OTA

and accessories, the counterweights will be adjusted

to obtain a proper balance with the OTA. Note: 12”

and 14” f/8 ACF models please refer to Appendix F for

additional counterweight instructions.

NOTE: WHEN ATTACHING THE COUNTER-

WEIGHT(S) TAKE CARE NOT TO DROP THEM

DURING ASSEMBLY AS THEY CAN CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY, ESPECIALLY ON THE FOOT.

WHEN ATTACHING OR ADJUSTING THE POSITION

OF TWO (2) COUNTERWEIGHTS PAY ATTENTION

TO THE POSITION OF YOUR HANDS SO NOT TO

PINCH THEM DURING ADJUSTMENT.

Screw the safety nut on the end of the shaft after the

counterweight(s) have been attached.

Attach the Control Module

Take the control panel module out of the box that

contained the mount, and slide it on the mounting rail

at the rear end of the RA housing. Loosen the two

knurled thumbscrew knobs on the bottom side of the

control module and slide it on the rail, tightening the

same thumbscrew knobs. Insert the StarLock six-

pin connector into the receptacle labeled “StarLock”

(Page 10, Fig. 6, H).

DEC and RA Connecting Cables

The connecting cables for the RA & DEC are attached

to the control panel module and can not be removed

from the module. The short cable connects directly

to the RA gearbox that is directly above the module.

Insert the DIN connector, observing and aligning the

orientation of the pins to match. Once the pins are

seated, secure by screwing the dedicated retaining

collar until rm (Fig. 21). The longer cable connects

to the DEC gearbox and will need to be passed

17

Assembly

Fig 18: Attach Counterweight Shaft.

Fig 19: Attach Counterweight.

through the access port on the RA axis, directly above

the module (Fig. 20). Using the cable pull tool, feed

the cable through the raceway, watch for it through

the access port on the front of the RA axis (Fig. 21).

Grasp it as it comes within reach, and feed through the

excess cable. Once it has been fed through, insert and

secure the connector to the DEC drive directly above

the access port (Page 8, #39). Once the pins are

seated, secure by screwing the dedicated retaining

collar until rm.

Attach the Optical Tube Assembly

(OTA)

Note that there are two options for orientating the

dovetail rail and its location. As shipped from the

factory, the saddle plate is congured to receive a

standard Losmandy®-style dovetail. Meade LX850

OTAs are shipped with their dedicated dovetail rails

pre-attached to the tube. Depending on your OTA’s

dovetail, you may need to relocate both sides of the

dovetail receiver rails (Page 9, Fig. 5).

• OTAs with a Vixen®-style dovetail: Many small

refractors utilize a standard Vixen®-style dovetail

rail. To prepare the LX850 saddle plate to accept

the smaller dovetail rail, the LX850 saddle plate

rails must be positioned in the correct location

and with the correct long side of the rail facing

inward toward its corresponding mounting rail.

If you look at each long side of the rail, you will

notice the draft angle is dierent on each side. For

the smaller Vixen®-style dovetail rail, orient both

saddle plate rails so that the narrow draft angle is

facing inward as shown (Page 9, Fig. 5). Position

the inner rail so that it will mate with the narrowest

set of mounting points. To move the inner rail to

the narrower mounting point, use the 3/16” hex

wrench to remove the four mounting screws on top

of the rail. Then rotate and tighten the rail securely

in place at the narrower mounting point.

NOTE: Make sure the correct angled side is used

on both rails before attaching the OTA. Both rails

should be secured rmly to the dovetail adapter

before an OTA is attached.

• OTAs with a Losmandy®-Style dovetail: All

Meade LX850 ACF Optical tubes utilize the

standard Losmandy®-style dovetail rail. The

LX850 is already congured to accept this rail. Due

to its weight and size, it is advisable that the 12”

& 14” Advanced Coma-Free OTAs be mounted by

two (2) people.

NOTE: Before attaching an OTA to the mount, make

sure the clutches on each axis are locked so the

mount does not shift during OTA installation and

the proper number of counterweights are attached.

The correct saddle plate orientation is pointing straight

up the RA axis with StarLock dovetail mounting position

on the left side when viewed from behind the mount.

AutoStar #497 HANDBOX

Assembly

18 NOTE: Remove the travel screw (10" & 12" ACF only) or unlock the mirror lock (14" ACF only) before

attempting to focus the OTA. Failure to do so may result in damage to the Crayford focusing mechanism.

Note: Locking

collar

Fig 21: DIN Style Connector & Front Access Port

Fig 22: Slide the OTA dovetail into the saddle plate

Fig 20: Connecting motor to control module.

Note Rail to attach

Telescope Control Module

To attach an OTA, rmly grasp the OTA, remove it

from the shipping box, and slide the dovetail rail into

the saddle plate. Maintaining a rm grip on the OTA,

tighten the two (2) lock-bolts on the saddle plate to a

“rm” feel using the 5/16" hex wrench.

Attach Diagonal and Eyepiece

Remove the dust cap from the rear cell port of

the telescope.

• Meade ACF OTAs: If your telescope was shipped

with Meade's Zero Image Shift Microfocuser please

refer to the detailed instructions that were included.

Then attached the diagonal into the Microfocuser

followed by the eyepiece.

Attach StarLock Assembly

StarLock’s default mounting location is on the saddle

plate. The 10”, 12” and 14” ACF models feature a

second mounting location at the top-rear of the optical

tube assembly. Due to the longer focal length of the

ACF optics, this second, top of the OTA mounting

point, is preferred for these telescopes, as it minimizes

dierential exure.

Locate and unpack the StarLock assembly. The Starlock

dovetail adapter and its dedicated counterweight are

pre-installed at the factory. The StarLock assembly

is attached to the dovetail adapter on the left side of

the OTA or on top of the ACF OTA. To install StarLock

on the saddle plate, loosen the two (2) mounting bolts

on the side of dovetail adapter, slip in the StarLock

assembly, position Starlock so that the back edge of

the StarLock dovetail is ush with the lower edge of

the saddle plate. Tighten to securely retain StarLock

(Page 8, Fig. 41).

Locate the included rectangular counterweight, loosen

Fig 23: Diagonal and eyepiece in place

its securing screw, and slide it on the rail on the

opposite side of the dovetail adapter (if needed). Note

that the counterweight is NOT needed when StarLock

is mounted on top of the LX850 ACF OTA. Only use

the counterweight when StarLock is mounted directly

to the saddle plate. Secure the counterweight by re-

tightening the screw.

Attach the four-pin StarLock connector cable to the

rear panel of StarLock in the receptacle on the left side

(Page 10, Fig. 7, #59).

Plug in the AutoStar II Handbox

Locate and unpack the AutoStar II handbox. The

connecting cable is packed together with the handbox.

Plug one connector into the handbox, and the other

into the “HBX” receptacle on the control module.

Attach the Viewnder to the OTA

The Meade OTAs sold with the LX850 are equipped

with a standard 8x50 nderscope. To assemble and

align the viewnder, perform steps 1 through 6 below

during the daytime.

19

Assembly

Fig 24: Mounting StarLock to the saddle plate. Attach

StarLock counterweight.

Fig 25: Slide viewnder into receiver

1. Assemble the viewnder by attaching all included

thumbscrews onto the viewnder bracket and

insert the 8X50 viewnder into the bracket. Tighten

the thumbscrews to a rm feel only so the 8x50

optical tube is roughly centered in the middle of

the bracket.

2 . Slide the viewnder bracket into its mounting

assembly on the OTA (Page 7, Fig. 1, #1). To secure

the viewnder to the mounting assembly, tighten

the two thumbscrews (Page 7, Fig. 1, #14) to a rm

feel only.

Mount Additional Accessories and

Equipment

At this time it is advisable to mount any additional

accessories and equipment that you will be using

during nighttime use. Balancing the telescope is the

next step and it is important that this procedure be

performed in its operational conguration.

Balancing the Telescope

Level the mount, using the integrated bubble level

at the base of the mount as an aide if necessary, by

adjusting the length of the three tripod legs.

Before using the telescope, you will need to balance the

RA/DEC axes and the StarLock. Before you balance,

attach the eyepiece assembly, the viewnder and all

the accessories you will be using with the telescope

(cameras, guide scopes, etc.). In other words, you

need to balance the unit with all the “weight” that will

be attached to it.

To balance the telescope, unlock the Right Ascension

or RA clutches (3-Places, Page 15, Fig. 13). When

this axis is unlocked, the telescope pivots on the RA

axis. Later in the procedure, you will also unlock the

Declination or DEC clutches (3-Places, Page 16, Fig.

17). When unlocked, it pivots on the DEC axis. Try to

become familiar with these locks and observe how

the telescope moves on each axis. To obtain a ne

balance of the telescope, follow the method below:

Balancing the RA Axis

1. Firmly hold the optical tube secure so that it cannot

accidentally swing freely. NOTE: An unbalanced

OTA can swing quickly causing injury to the user.

Loosen the RA Clutch. The optical tube now moves

freely about the RA axis. Rotate the telescope so

that the counterweight shaft (Page 20, Fig. 26) is

parallel (horizontal) to the ground.

2. Rotate the counterweight along the counterweight

shaft until the telescope remains in the horizontal

position without moving in either direction. Now

push the RA shaft from the end up and down.

Adjust the counterweight position until it takes the

same force to move the RA shaft up and down.

Balancing the DEC Axis

Again, hold the optical tube so that it cannot accidentally

swing freely. NOTE: An unbalanced OTA can swing

quickly causing injury to the user. Position the RA axis

parallel to the ground and tighten the RA locks. Unlock

the DEC Clutches. The telescope now is able to move

freely about the DEC axes. Position the OTA parallel

to the ground.

Advanced Coma-Free OTAs: Slightly loosen the OTA

dovetail adapter lock knobs (Page 7, Fig. 20) so that

the tube assembly slides easily back and forth in the

dovetail mount. Be careful that the OTA does not fall

out of the dovetail adapter! Start with 1/2" of the OTA

dovetail plate extended out of the DEC Saddle (See

Appendix F, pg 56). Move the OTA assembly fore or

aft, in the dovetail adapter until the telescope remains

in horizontal position without tending to drift down in

Fig 26: Balancing the RA axes

Move Counterweight

To Achieve RA Balance

RA Axis

Assembly

20

Slide the OTA to

achieve balance

Fig 27: Balancing the DEC axes

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